everlag

I'm just looking forward to a feeling similar to about the 0:32 mark of this clip:
(Warning: content may be offensive to those who don't appreciate good old fashioned tasteless humor)

I'm not sure if by "down there" you're talking about your pannus or vagina, so I'm just going to call them what they are, since I would not say what I'm about to say interchangeably. If that makes you uncomfortable please feel free to insert euphamism of choice. Just use the right one for the right body part!
For the pannus - make sure you dry very well after a shower. And use an antibacterial soap while showering. Get as dry as you can, even if you have to use the blow dryer. Apply either a powder, or an antiperspirant/deodorant combo (I use the pomegranate Dove). Not both. I prefer antiperspirant because the powder can sort of paste up. If I ever use powder I use Mexsana, but I've been swiping a line of antiperspirant on my pannus (like chapstick on a smile) for years. You may still get moist, but you shouldn't get wet. You will not stink. And best of all - the deodorant sort of lubricates your skin, so you don't get the skin-skin breakdown/rash.
For your vagina - much the same. But I have a question. You say you're noticing an odor. Can you tell if it's from your exterior/outer skin (e.g. labia, or where your thighs meet your groin), or is it from your interioe (e.g. change in body chemistry and your normal discharge)? You can powder if you want to - I don't, but I don't have the same problems you're talking about. If I did, I would. But I would not use Mexsana. It can burn a bit, especially on sensitive skin areas. Make sure you do not get powder inside of your vagina/vaginal canal. Exterior use only. Use an antibacterial soap (not antibacterial like softsoap, but good antibacterial like safeguard) and use a rough washcloth. Everyone wants poufs and fluffy towels, which is great, but they don't do a thing for helping your body shed the dead skin cells, or scrub off the gunk. I buy the cheapest washcloths I can find at Walmart, the bulk pack of white ones for like $5 or $7. They're just about perfect. Anyway.
Wash well with antibacteria soap, then I'd probably wash a second time with a feminine wash. Dry yourself COMPLETELY - seriously even use a blowdryer if you need to. Or dry off, then wait a bit, then dry off again. Cotton panties as someone else mentioned, as little dye as possible. Sit with your legs open whenever you can. There's a reason we stick our hands between our thighs when we're freezing. It's WARM. But warm + moist is not a good combo, so you want to give yourself as much opportunity to cool down/dry out (from any sweat) as you can. Don't wear snug underwear, either. Go a size bigger if you need to. If the elastic banding can cut into you, that can make things worse. Don't wear undergarments or pants for any longer than necessary. I.e. instead of hanging out clothed at home, but on some loungewear or a mumu or something.
HTH, IME.

Hmmm. Not as flexible as I used to be, I don't think I will be able to see ms V without a mirror again, i will be able to see her tresses though, lol!

I think I may have to head up to NY and get a real look at this.

At the start of my journey on 4/9/12, my weight was 366lbs and my BMI was 61. It was my first clinic visit. I was sleeved on 7/30. At my 2nd post op visit, I'm down to 314lbs and my BMI is 52. I still had to use my walker because of my knees, arthritis, but, I didn't get short of breath or break out drenched in sweat. I know this is just the beginning, but, I had to pat myself on the back because I can't believe I'm really doing this! My only regret is, I WANT TO CHUG DOWN A BOTTLE OF ICE WATER!!! If only, lol!!! My fear is, Lord please don't let me turn into a cougar!!! Ok, I'm cracking up over here!

It's more fun to say "assless chaps."

I had the best laugh of all days just now! Thanks guys, this is great!

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I just had my first consultation this last Friday! I was so anxious and excited I could barely sleep the night before but the actual appointment was very basic, not at all what I had worked up in my head . I met with the surgeon’s physician assistant and filled out a lot of paperwork and discussed how the surgery was performed, length of time in the hospital (2 - 3 days), nutrition, she asked me some questions about my obesity history and current health problems, I took a short quiz and she also asked me why I wanted the surgery. After about 15 to 20 minutes she sent me to talk to the girls who deal with insurance And they sat me down and told me the requirements of my insurance. I have California Anthem Blue Cross Medi-Cal so my personal insurance requirements were to see a nutritionist and a psychiatrist and get them to state I was fit for surgery. Most insurance also want a 6 month doctor supervised diet although that was not the case with mine. As soon as I got out to the car I made my nutritionist and psychiatrist appointment. I just finished them both yesterday and I feel so relieved!! Good luck at your appointment, I’m sure it will go great!

My advice would be:
- Call your insurance today and make sure that their requirements match up with what the center told you - most places are good about this but sometimes they miss things
- Write yourself a list of requirements out so that you can start crossing them off. Each one off the list feels awesome
- Write a list of questions you have about the surgery to take with you. If you're anything like me you will get there and forget as soon as the doctor asks if you have any questions.
- Ask them what a realistic time table to expect surgery looks like at their clinic. That way you won't be going out of your mind wondering when the insurance will get back to them, etc.
- Enjoy yourself! Relax and have a good time with the journey =)
I'm not sure what your first consult includes, but mine was just getting a baseline weight, BMI, blood pressure, etc. I didn't have any kind of pre-admission testing until a week before surgery. If yours is anything like mine it's really low key, you just get to ask questions and chat with the surgeon. Good luck!

He subject says it all! I finally after almost 6 months broke down and shopped for new clothes! Everything I bought is a size 4!!! 97 pounds down and 21 to go to goal! I started at 228 and now weigh 131! Thank you God for VSG!

My surgery is 8/31 too! Time is flying by and yet moving slowly. How can that be?!
I'll be thinking of you on Friday, well at least before they drug me

Everything is top notch in PV. Relax it is an awesome place for surgery. I had surgery 8/15/12 with Lopez and Osuna great experience.

Endorphins....didn't think of that....but one thing is for sure....you want more!!! It's addictive.
Someone asked me if it "Gets easier"....the answer is yes, and NO!
I don't think Serena Williams will tell you winning tournaments is "Easy", but if you do it enough and you get used to it.....and live for the rewards....

Thank you to everyone. Whith your help I have decided to keep my date. I have just told my family that I was thinking of postponing it because of the issues with them and I actually let them see the responses to my post. They all felt pretty bad and did admit to being scared. My husband not so much but I know he is afraid of me changing. He has told my sister in-law that he is nervous I'm not sure if the afraid of the surgery or the change. Well, I decided that's it and I asked for everyone not to speak about it again. Let's see how this works out. Thank you all again. The online community will be were I go for support.
Lori

I don't have kids of my own and am still pre-op, so I probably shouldn't interject but I really hope you proceed with your journey. You have waited two years and now it is just around the corner. Don't let their fear, selfishness or entitlement detract you from making this amazing change in your health.
My twin sister had this surgery about a year ago and it has completely changed her life. She is happy again, able to have relationships with people again and feeling so much more confident. When she first started talking about the surgery, I wasn't as supportive as I now wish I would have been. I was being selfish because she was going to change...I was going to be the fat twin. food, which has always been the center of our life together, wasn't going to be anymore. I got over it and realized how brave she was to do this for herself regardless of my ignorance. I am excited to start the journey for myself now.
If you think that you are postponing because of your family is really an excuse to postpone because of your own fears, then that's another story. I tend to project so have been guilty of this in the past on other issues.
I wish you peace and luck on your journey, whatever you decide.

Wooohooo! Congrats on such a big accomplishment!

2 much fun I think a lot of us had a set of those rose colored glasses lol

Take a moment, sometime before the surgery, and close your eyes. Remember all of the things that you might have done BEFORE. The food choices, the emotions you felt when you maybe might have eaten too much. Think about the times you were embarrassed about your clothes, finding a comfortable place to sit or a time when everyone else was ok and you were out of breath from a short walk.
Then I want you to push that away from you and remember that after tomorrow, everyday will be one day further from all those hurtful, maybe even unhappy times. And when you have a moment of doubt and you think that changing your habits is too hard on this journey (because you might just have those days!) say to yourself, " Nobody said it would be easy. They only said it would be worth it."
Good Luck and keep us posted.

I hope you do great Monica !
Like TKW said, the band is a great TOOL, and with your determination you will be a success.
I'm getting my first fill this Thursday so let's see how my tool works............................wait that kinda came out wrong..

I think there are other ways of looking at it too.
Lets say that you had a problem with your leg, your Dr will probably offer the least invasive surgery first. You will probably be told that it has a good chance of success but that it is not guaranteed. Most of us would be happy to try that. If it doesn't succeed and it then turns out that we do indeed have to have our leg amputated we will know that we gave all the other options a shot first.
The band is similar. It works for many but not all. Most of us when we are trying to commit to WLS are happy to do something like the band but would not be ready at that point to go for a sleeve or a bypass. If it works great. If you are one of the unlucky ones and something goes wrong at least you know you gave the minimally invasive option it's best shot first before trying the more drastic solution.
Wishing you all the best with your bypass and fingers crossed that you manage the waiting period until then without too much stress and gain.

Good luck. I'll keep u in my thoughts. My 'band day' is wends. My nerves are getting silly. But I'm so excited too!! Chin up, and don't let them prod u like bull;)

Seem like you clearly used your context clues and was able to figure out what she meant. I dont see how your post was productive. Just sayin'